Glowing tributes paid to acclaimed poet

Karachi: The author of several collections of poetry and prose, Dr Ashfaq Hussain, who recently got the ‘Pride of Performance’ award, was honoured at the Arts Council of Pakistan where prominent writers paid him glowing tributes for his works.

The function, ‘An evening with Dr Ashfaq Hussain’, where speakers like Iftikhhar Arif, Mehmood Shaam, Shahida Hasan and Mujahid Barelavi (who also conducted the proceedings) noted in their speeches that Dr Hussain was a hard working writer and journalist, and left no stone unturned to promote healthy literature and literary values in Pakistan and even in Canada where he lives now.

While sharing the experiences of passage of days with Dr Hussain when he was in Karachi, they said that he had chosen to hold literary sittings and discussions on literature and organized many functions in this effect. Besides, he used to write Urdu poetry in his own style, especially poems, and later he emerged as a good poet.

The speakers pointed out that Dr Hussain was a known literary activist in Canada, for he holds ‘Mushairas’, gatherings and discussions on literature and attends visiting Pakistani writers. They said that most of the writers from Pakistan (whenever visited Canada), were hosted by Dr Hussain, and that factor showed his zeal and commitment towards the promotion of Urdu literature and literary values.

The speakers mentioned that they were very glad that Dr Hussain was honoured with the Pride of Performance — the prestigious award given to him by the government in recognition of his services for the promotion of the Urdu literature.

President Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah was given books at the function by Dr Ashfaq Hussain and Shah expressed his felicitation over the achievements of Dr Hessain.

Dr Hussain is an author of more than ten books, has made an extensive research work on the life and achievements of the most renowned Urdu poet, Faiz Ahmad Faiz. His famous books on the famous poet include ‘Faiz Ek JaizaÂ’, ‘Faiz Ke Maghrabi Havaley’, ‘Faiz, Shakisiat Aur Shairi’. He has also written a book on the life of Ahmed Faraz.

Dr Hussain’s own poetry has been translated into English and Punjabi languages. Born in Karachi in 1951, he obtained his MasterÂ’s degree in Urdu literature from the University of Karachi in 1974. After completing his post graduate studies, he began his career as a lecturer in a local college. He migrated to Canada in 1980 and has lived in Toronto since then. Prior to his migration, he worked as Program Officer of the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, for almost four years.
Source: The News
Date:4/9/2011